THIS is the £6 million 280ft design which has been dubbed the Midlands’ answer to the Angel of the North.

The giant structure, a huge advertising hoarding surrounded by massive steel tubes, is due to go up alongside the M6 at Wednesbury as part of a regeneration scheme called Opus 9.

Geoffrey Barrett, a director of architects Crouch Butler Savage, said; “We see this proposal in the context of other major public art structures commissioned in recent years, such as Gateshead’s The Angel of the North.

“Our structure is intended to create a very strong presence alongside the M6 motorway.

“It will be unique and remarkable, not just because of its appearance but also because it will be funded privately through its advertising income.”

The structure will be called the Sandwell Gateway.

It will consist of an elongated “box” surmounted by a 131ft-high sculpture of steel tubes.

It will be visible up to two miles away from its proposed location at junction nine of the motorway.

Opus 9 developer Opus Land said the design would help create a new confidence in the Black Country’s economic future.

“The purpose of the structure is to raise the profile of the area,” a spokesman said.

“It will create a new level of identity for Sandwell in the national mindset and helping to promote the continued economic regeneration of Sandwell.”

It is expected a planning application for the structure will be submitted within weeks.

If successful, work could start by next spring and the completed structure could be opened in the autumn of next year.

A public exhibition into the proposals was being held today from noon until 7 pm at the Point One building, Opus 9, off Axletree Way, Wednesbury.

•Does the Sandwell Gateway bear comparison with The Angel of the North?